Free Agency isn’t even underway, and we already have two earth-shattering, league-shaking announcements.
Shortly after 8:00 PM ET, news broke that Johnny Gaudreau had informed the Calgary Flames that he would be testing free agency. Asked if there was any chance the wing could return to southern Alberta, GM Brad Treliving said he didn’t expect that to happen.
An emotional Treliving did his best to be gracious, accepting that it was a family decision. (One source described Gaudreau’s call to the team as “brutal for everyone.”) But I really think the Flames thought they were close, with one executive saying his team heard an eight-year deal with a $10.5 million AAV , which will get done shortly before we learn it’s in the opposite direction.
Three hours later, our inboxes beeped with a Pittsburgh Penguins media release — announcing Evgeni Malkin’s four-year, $24.4 million extension. This was 29 hours after he initially indicated he was going to market.
Malkin’s contract matched what was offered in discussions a day earlier, only to be scuttled by his utter frustration with the process. According to multiple sources, a critical part of the turnaround was getting the proud, fiery future Hall of Famer to take a breath, cool off and reconsider. It’s not Sidney Crosby’s way to publicly opine on roster moves, but someday I hope he gives us some insight into the role he played.
So, with just hours until the bell rings, here are some things to watch out for:
• All eyes are on New Jersey and Philadelphia for Gaudreau. The Flyers have indicated that James van Riemsdijk will not be traded as they are unwilling to pay what it will cost to move the cap. One source indicated that’s similar to what Toronto sent to Carolina – a first-round draft pick – for the Hurricanes to take Patrick Marleau in 2019. And teams prefer Philadelphia’s 2023 pick over Florida’s pick in 2024, acquired for Claude Giroux.
Assuming the Flyers stick with that philosophy, it’s hard to see a path for Gaudreau — barring another big move. If they are in, they play that hand slowly. They are also believed to have an interest in Dylan Strome.
New Jersey was the name of many people on Tuesday night. I’d be surprised if it was the Islanders. Let’s see what Wednesday brings us.
• When Malkin returns to Pittsburgh, look for Vincent Trocheck in Manhattan. This seems to be his most appropriate solution.
• Florida and Ottawa remain the leaders for Giroud, with Carolina stalking them.
• Colorado can be fascinating. The Avalanche have indicated they would like to explore ways to retain Nazem Kadri. It seems impossible without major surgery, but they are trying. Kadri will receive initial offers on Wednesday and go from there.
With Josh Manson, it could go either way.
• Mason Marchment is very popular, even though Florida tried to keep him. Also popular: David Perron.
• Ondrej Palat has several teams around him. I had heard of Jersey, but I have no idea if that could work if Gaudreau ended up there. Seattle too. The Kraken are also expected to be tough going after John Klingberg and possibly a veteran center like Noel Acciari (had also heard about the Toronto possibility with Acciari). Andre Burakovsky would make a lot of sense for Seattle as well.
• Carolina, Colorado and Montreal are believed to have interest in Brett Kulak
• Also heard that San Jose, in addition to Brent Burns, may move Kevin Labanc.
• I’ll meet Andrew Kopp in Detroit because I love trying to figure out what Steve Yzerman is going to do. There is also a belief that Dylan Larkin’s extension is moving in a positive direction.
• Ilya Mikheev guess: Washington.
Now go to bed. We have an early Wednesday.
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